INDOOR AIR

QUALITY (IAQ)

Historical Perspective

First indication of indoor contamination

Asbestos pollution, a carcinogenic substance,
discovered by epidemiologists, used in almost all
building materials about 35 years back. Banned
due to adverse health effects NOT considering
IAQ.
Concept of IAQ first introduced among scientific
community in 1980 due to some occurrences of
episodes indoors.
At central headquarters of EPA building at
Washington, D.C.- more than 100 people fell sick
within 15 minutes of entering the office.
In Los Angeles, CO level in most of the well
insulated buildings was three times greater than

Outcome:

Such
episodes
indoors in developed nations
ended up with

Extensive monitoring programme for indoors

Identification of indoor contaminants
Formulation of IAQ models
Development of control methodologies
Formulation of Indoor Air Contamination
Standards.
Identification of Sick Buildings
Investigation of Sick Building Syndrome
(SBS)

Hard Facts
Fresh

air contains 21.0% (v/v) O2 and

Exhaled air contains 17.0% (v/v) O2

An

adult emits 45 gm sweat / hour

containing bioaerosols.

An

adult produces about 80 to 100 W

heat.

Carbon

based gaseous pollutants

(VOCs) in indoors are 2 to 5 times

higher than outdoors.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Characteristics of Indoor Air

Quality
Physical
Chemical
Biological

Factors
Cause

IAQ Issues
Improve IAQ

What is IAQ?

Office Type Environment

Ventilation is General Dilution
Type
Heating, Ventilating, and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) System
Windows

A Common Myth

Air pollution occurs only

outdoors
Or

In industrial environment

Truth!!!!
What is more agreeable than ones
home?
Feeling safe ?
Away from outside pollution ?
Air inside the conditioned space can be
substantially more polluted than
outdoor air.

Energy Efficiency

Starting in the 1970s Buildings

were Sealed Up to Reduce Energy
Costs
Air

Contaminants Trapped
Lack of Outdoor Air
Sick Building Syndrome

American Society of Heating,

Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62
Recommends 7 to 10 L/s (CFM) of

Causes of IAQ Problems

Temperature and/or Humidity

Too Much Glare
Inadequate Fresh Air - Lead to
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Buildup
Normal

Outdoor CO2 Levels is 350

ppm
Indoor CO2 Levels Can Be 600-800
ppm
> 1000 ppm CO2 Levels
Tired/Sleepiness
CO2

Introduction of Chemicals &

Contaminants into the Building

Building Remodeling - Adhesives,

Paints
Select

Low Volatile/Low Toxicity Products

Schedule Work on Weekends/After Hours
Allow Remodeled Area to Off-Gas Prior to
Re-Occupation
Temporarily Relocate Employees

Old Food - Forgotten Lunches/Snacks

Introduction of Chemicals &

Contaminants into the Building

Cleaners
Use Green Seal Cleaning Supplies
Non-Toxic
Not a Skin Sensitizer
Does Not Contain Substances Which

Contribute to Poor Indoor Air Quality

If

Using a Cleaner - Be Aware of How

Your Actions May Impact Your CoWorkers

Building Air Inlet - Auto Exhaust can

increase Carbon Monoxide

Introduction of Chemicals &

Contaminants into the Building

Personal Hygiene Products

Perfumes,

Deodorants, Cologne

Be Aware of How Your Actions Can Impact

Your Co-Workers

Water Leaks/Water Damage

Mold

or Mildew

Air Cleaners - Some Use Ozone

May

Affect Persons with Pre-Existing

Respiratory Problems

Introduction of Chemicals &

Contaminants into the Building

Printers/Copying Machines
Can

Generate Particulates and Ozone

Ozone Eye & Respiratory Irritation
Do Not Place in Room with Poor
Ventilation
Do Not Point Printer Exhaust at
Individuals
Study on Printers:
Ozone Levels: <0.001 ppm to 0.016 ppm

(OSHA permissible exposure limit for

Introduction of Chemicals &

Contaminants into the Building

Animal Dander
Brought

into the Office on Clothing

Some Persons have Allergic
Reactions

Third Hand Smoke

Recent

Studies Tobacco ByProducts Can Cling to Hair, Clothing,

& Furniture
Be Sensitive to the Needs of Co-

Monitoring for IAQ Issues

Q-Trak Indoor Air Quality

Monitor
Temperature

and Humidity
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Dioxide

ppb RAE Detector

Various

Chemical
Substances Down to the
Parts per Billion Rang

Monitoring for IAQ Issues

Chemical Hazards
Do

Not Use Odor as an Indicator of

Hazard
Certain Individuals May Be More
Susceptible to Certain Chemicals
All Chemicals Do Not Have a
Permissible Exposure Limit

In Summary

Certain Individuals May Be More

Susceptible to Certain Chemicals

Be a Good Neighbor/Co-Worker

Dont Be Afraid to Ask & Do Not Be

Offended If a Co-Worker Asks

Discuss

IAQ

Supervisor,
Officer.

Issues

With

Department

Your
Safety

Thanks